Google is trying to make cloud computing more affordable with a custom-built Arm-based server chip. At its Cloud Next conference in Las Vegas on Monday, the company said the new processor will become available later in 2024.
Arm isn’t completely new to Google, which started selling access to virtual machines, or VMs, that use Oracle-backed startup Ampere’s Arm-based chips earlier this year.
Market leader Amazon Web Services introduced its Graviton Arm chip in 2018, gaining business from several companies such as Datadog, Elastic, Snowflake, and Sprinklr. Google’s move to launch its own Arm-based chip reflects a changing landscape in cloud infrastructure technology.
Porting applications to Arm machines has made sense for organizations looking to reduce costs associated with cloud computing. Google’s new Axion chips are expected to offer 30% better performance than other Arm-based virtual machines and 50% better performance than x86-based VMs.
The environmental benefits of using Arm chips for certain workloads are also significant. The Axion chips are designed to deliver 60% more energy efficiency than comparable VMs based on x86 models, potentially leading to lower carbon emissions in data centers.
Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian mentioned that Axion chips, which are based on Arm architecture, can speed up applications while improving overall performance. The company plans to transition its internal operations from Arm-based servers to the new cloud-based Axion instances upon availability.
Similarly, other companies like Datadog, Elastic, OpenX, and Snap are also looking to adopt Axion for their operations, showcasing a growing interest in Arm-based computing solutions within the industry.
Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian speaks at the Google Cloud Next event in San Francisco, April 9, 2019.
Michael Short | Bloomberg | Getty Images
With the new Arm-based chip, Google is catching up with competitors like Amazon and Microsoft by entering the Arm-based server chip market. This move signifies Google’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in cloud computing solutions.
Google’s ambitious strategy aims to enhance performance and efficiency in cloud computing while reducing environmental impact. By introducing Axion chips based on Arm architecture, Google is setting a new standard for environmentally friendly computing solutions in the industry.
As technology advances and companies look for cost-effective and sustainable computing solutions, the adoption of Arm-based chips like Axion could lead to a significant shift towards more energy-efficient and environmentally conscious data center operations.
The competition in the cloud infrastructure market is heating up, with companies constantly seeking ways to differentiate themselves through cutting-edge technologies like Arm-based chips. Google’s introduction of Axion chips underscores its commitment to delivering high-performing and eco-friendly solutions for its cloud customers.
Overall, Google’s move to launch Axion chips based on Arm architecture represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and efficient future for cloud computing. The industry is likely to see more innovations and advancements in this space as companies prioritize environmental stewardship and performance optimization in their technology solutions.
